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The goal setting tool that's perfect for runners
Published 6 days ago • 4 min read
Issue #66
Miles, Maps & Styles
Hi Reader!
It is officially September, Labor Day is in the rear view and if you are training for a fall marathon, you know exactly what that means. The weeks are getting busier, the alarms are getting earlier, and the laundry pile is out of control.
My 20 miler for the Chicago Marathon is less than two weeks away. I am at that point in my training cycle where I am equal parts proud of the miles I have banked and slightly intimidated of the ones still on the calendar. If you are feeling that too, you are right on track. Peak training is supposed to feel big.
Before we know it, the fall marathon season will be here. Chicago, Berlin, New York, all those months of work will be turning into one very loud morning. Whether you are racing this fall or cheering from the sidelines, this is the stretch where it helps to remember why you signed up in the first place.
Which is exactly what this issue is about.
tl;dr
I know you're busy! If you want cut to the features without having to read the extra details, here are the links for these posts!
How to Make a Running Vision Board for Your Race Goals
If the words vision board make you roll your eyes a little, stay with me. This is not a mood board of magazine cutouts and inspirational quotes.
It’s a running vision board is built around one specific question: What does my next racing season look like? And, how do I remember that on the mornings I would rather hit snooze?
In the post I walk through the whole thing, start to finish:
How to set tiered race goals first, so your board is built on something real
Choosing between a physical board and a digital one, based on your actual life
What to put on it (and the generic stock photos to skip)
Where to find inspiration that gives you a feeling, not just something pretty
A shortcut for anyone who does not have time for a craft project
You’re going to want to bookmark this post (or add it to your Pinterest board) so you can come back when your race is over and you’re ready for what’s next!
If vision boards aren’t your thing (or maybe they are and you like more than one way to tackle your goals), this post is for you.
This one is a reader favorite, and it comes back around for good reason. If a vision board feels a little too serious for where you are right now, a bingo card might be more your speed.
It's a grid of running challenges and adventures you create. Here are few examples:
Run a trail you have never tried (or try trail running for the first time)
un a race in a costume
The possibilities are endless and they’re all centered around you.
It's low pressure, genuinely fun, and it works beautifully in the off season, and you need something fun with a low level of commitment. The post has category by category ideas to fill your card, plus a 25 square grid you can download.
A vision board does not require a craft store run or a big budget. Here is what I actually use, plus a few things that make it look nicer than it has any right to. I created a list of fun items to manifest the perfect race day, you can shop here.
The Board Itself
Traditional cork board. A classic corkboard is the workhorse. Pin it, move things around, swap it out every season. This 2-pack set is cute and perfect to share with a friend (or store in multiple places)
Decorative felt board. If it is going somewhere visible in your home, a felt board looks a lot more intentional and still holds pins. This decorative set is untraditional and comes in a bunch of color options for your decor.
Foam or poster board. Cheapest option, and great if you want to lay everything out and glue it down for good.
The Supplies
A City Candle: While not part of the vision board, I love the idea of a city candle to remind me of upcoming race. They have options for Chicago, New York, Boston, Philly, and Detroit to name a few!
Push pins. Get the colorful or shiny ones. Small thing, big difference. This push pin set comes in a fun variety with stars, hearts and clips!
Washi tape. For attaching photos without wrecking them, and for adding little borders and labels. It comes in fun colors, like this gold ream.
Index cards or sticky notes. Write your goal pace, your race date, your mantra. Swap them out as training progresses.
A small photo printer. So you can actually put your own race photos on the board instead of stock images. Check out this photo printer from Canon.
Good scissors and a glue stick. Non negotiable. The tiny scissors from the junk drawer will not cut it. Get a good pair of scissors for crisp cuts!
Digital Vision Boards
Canva: Get free templates, easy collages, and you can set the finished board as your phone wallpaper in about ten minutes
A dedicated Pinterest board: Follow @runwanderwear for race day inspiration, fundraising, and running goal ideas
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Simple tips for running lifestyles. Approachable advice to make marathon training approachable.
I'm a influencer, blogger, and running coach who loves to talk about marathons, racecations and how to live your best running life. Find practical tips for marathon training, marathon fundraising, and travel. Subscribe to my newsletter.
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